ALIANA

The restaurant gradually empties, Michael holds back until I am completely upright, coat donned, and bag in hand, before speaking.

“May I?” he asks, indicating the exit.

I nod once. "You can walk me out. Nothing more."

There is flicker of relief and control across his face. “Understood.”

The night air is crisp and clean as we step out into it. The city throbs around us, but there are camera lights in the distance, nowhere near close enough to worry about. Our valet brings out his car before we even have to ask for it.

He holds the door for me.

I pause. Look at him.

“Old habits,” he...